Wind Becomes Key Factor In Leeds Student Accommodation Development

Leeds is known for its chilly winds and generally windy behavior, as is most of United Kingdom. Thus, when the building of two new city center tower blocks reached its final phase, developers were faced with the issue of winds making it uncomfortable for people. The area being used was once part of Leeds Metropolitan University, and is now being used to make city center tower blocks which will have 465 student flats.

 

Source

A report is being written to be presented to the Leeds City Council, on the issue of the winds that could cause it uncomfortable and at times impossible for people to sit or stand. New techniques of mitigation need to be installed so that cross winds and winds do not disturb the people living there or passing by there. The report will include the fact that although canopies have been introduced and they are a big factor in mitigating the winds they are still inadequate.

Leeds Metropolitan University has also voiced it's concern regarding the issue of the design and stated that “the proposed buildings are far too close to the Portland and Cleverly buildings”. Due to the university being in the vicinity of these new buildings, the institute wants to know whether the winds will affect the surrounding areas too. In addition to that, the University is concerned that the area might become too crowded and noisy during the construction phase which is unacceptable to some students and classes.

Source

Among the supporters of the construction project, the University of Leeds has not expressed any concern or objection regarding the development of this project. The University of Leeds already has a lease on the first and second phase of this property development. Leeds Civic Trust is also a supporter of the project and they like this project because it will give more accommodation room for the heavy influx of students every year in Leeds. They said that this construction and development will “help to continue the gradual restoration of accommodation for families in the Headingley area”.

Source

Projects like these do cause a few troubles in design here or there, but overall it is very important to have more student accommodation in Leeds. Every year there is an increasing influx of students to Leeds, and they are finding that accommodation has become expensive and difficult to find. Most students want to live closer to their universities so they can save on the costs of travel.

 Source